How Do I Handle My Heart Burning For Her?

Dear eNotAlone: My heart is in pain and burning for her. I don't know what to do or how to act around her. I've never felt this way about anyone before, so I don't know how to handle it. I'm scared she doesn't feel the same way. What should I do?

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Do you feel like your heart is burning for her and you're not sure what to do next? Have you ever been in love before and don't know the best way to handle these feelings? Falling in love can be one of the greatest experiences in life, but it can also bring a lot of anxiety and fear of rejection. The good news is that there are steps you can take to make sure you get through this new emotion with grace and strength.

The most important thing to remember is that it is natural to feel scared. It is also ok to express your feelings to her in a respectful way. A huge part of learning how to process emotions like these is understanding your own feelings and being honest about them without putting too much pressure on the other person. Give yourself permission to come up with your own romantic gestures and the courage to share them with her. This could be anything from serenading her under her window to sending her small tokens of affection.

When it comes to letting her know how you feel, it is ok to make the first move. You don't have to wait for her to show interest first. It is ok to take a risk, but don't take it to the point where it feels uncomfortable. Express your feelings in a way that makes you feel comfortable, whether through words or body language. Pushing yourself beyond that point could lead to regret and disappointment.

Also remember to practice self-care. Love is an overwhelming feeling, but feelings can change rapidly, so while it might hurt more in the short term, it's important to try to look out for yourself and focus on keeping your level of stress low. Spend some time away from her, even if it's just a few days, to take a breather. When you come back, you will be better prepared to handle any issues that arise.

If things don't go according to plan, don't give up on love. Everyone experiences heartbreak at some point, and it's ok to feel sad, but don't forget that loving someone shouldn't make you feel ashamed or embarrassed. Reach out to friends and family members for support, or find activities to do with them that can help you rebuild your self-confidence and remind you of your value as a person.